Neuromotor Screening

Program to Enhance the Health & Development of Infants and Children (PEHDIC)​

Neuromotor Screening​​​

Families of children with motor disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophies, or spinal muscular atrophy commonly describe a long and often heartrending “odyssey” of tests and consultations before they arrived at the correct diagnosis. As such, initiatives related to neuromotor screening and global motor delays are a priority area for the
Program to Enhance the Health and Development of Infants and Children (PEHDIC)—a cooperative agreement between the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Motor Delays: Early Identification and EvaluationThe AAP clinical report, Motor Delays: Early Identification and Evaluation, and accompanying algorithm, was published in the June 2013 issue of Pediatrics to guide pediatricians in the screening and workup of children with suspected motor delays. Specifically, the report offers guidance regarding children who demonstrate motor delays and variations in muscle tone, and contains an accompanying clinical decision algorithm to inform care provision.

Education and TrainingAccess recordings of the series of three 60-minute educational Webinars (Summer 2014) that focused on raising awareness of primary care clinicians regarding the diagnosis and referral for children with Neuromotor delays. The sessions focus on the physical exam, common clinical presentations, diagnosis, developmental surveillance, referral, and management of children with a motor delay.

Parent Feedback regarding Motor Delay, Child Growth and DevelopmentA series of five focus groups were held recently with parents to gain insights into their understanding of motor delay as well as to assess educational needs regarding child growth and development. Participants revealed the need for plain language resources regarding physical (motor) development as well as a desire for their pediatrician to be more responsive to their concerns.

Assessment of Current Provider PracticesInformation gathered from focus groups and a Quality Improvement Innovation Networks (QuIIN) survey of primary care providers (Fall 2010) documented the need for clinical guidance regarding the identification, workup, and referral of children with possible neuromotor problems or delays. The focus groups revealed that many pediatricians often concentrate on developmental screening for social-emotional concerns such as autism, paying less attention to motor delays.